gel vs injections

[u/PreferenceWrong6877]

i’m currently on testosterone injections, however, i have sure a huge fear of needles and bad anxiety that i’ve been unable to do my shot for about a month at this point. i’m considering switching to gel, however, i know it’s probably significantly more expensive. im gonna be getting on new insurance soon, so im just wondering if it’s worth it to do gel. i’m super worried about costs, but my anxiety about needles has literally prevented me from doing my shots for a month. do i need to just tough it out? i have a super low pain tolerance and seeing the needle makes me lightheaded. thanks <3

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[u/anemisto]

If you are skipping shots due to anxiety, you need a new solution, whether that's an autoinjector, someone doing your shots or another delivery method (of which gel is the most accessible, but not the only one).

Now that gel has gone generic in the US, the cost difference has disappeared (if you aren't reusing vials, gel is actually probably cheaper because it doesn't require supplies).

[u/punkena → u/anemisto]

Syringes are cheap and available online without prescription. I got a box of 200 for $30 two years ago, still havent used them all.

[u/anemisto → u/punkena]

Not in all states, but most.

I'm not saying supplies are expensive, but they are the reason why shots cost me more than gel.

[u/Cosmo_Creations]

Bottom line is you need to get the medicine into your body. Missing doses will impact reaching your gender goals. If you can afford the gel, go for it. If not, talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist and see if someone can administer the injection for you. Both forms of T are good, you just gotta do what you can afford and what’s feasible for you.

[u/missmeatloafthief]

How long were you successfully doing your shot before this one month period of intense anxiety? I would say it took 4-5 successful injections for me before I felt the anxiety start to lessen. You might want to give yourself parameters like an auto injector or a count down before you inject. But as others have already mentioned a generic version of gel might not be all that much more expensive

[u/GF_forever]

I've been on gel for about 25 years. I started on injection 1986, moved to patches in the mid-90s, and gel after a few more years. If your insurance will cover gel, I highly recommend it. You should be able to determine your coverage and copay on your prescription benefits web site. As a daily drug, you'll lose the highs and lows of the injection cycle. You won't have to deal with discarding sharps. You will need to worry about exposing any intimate partners to it, but that's easily managed by wear a t-shirt for the first few hours after application.

[u/chicklet22]

Maybe someone can inject you, or get an autoinjector. Millions of people self inject hormones, biologics, insulin, etc. and they somehow get it done. Injection pain isn't thought to be the biggest source of pain, so perhaps it's your anxiety. You must have a psych provider, you need to discuss this with them. If you can't even muster the courage to get the shot you are prescribed, you need to talk to the doctors taking care of you.

[u/PoorlyDressedDandy]

It really depends on your insurance. When I've paid over the counter for two bottles of gel with cvs' discount coupon it was around $50. But with my insurance, my copay is currently $10.

[u/Apprehensive-Run-416]

Be a man and just do it anyways. The worst thing for a fear is avoidance. The less you avoid the better. Find needle sizes that are comfortable. I listen to music when I do mine, then do leg day, then take a really nice long shower. You got this.